Modularly customizeable personal electronics carrying case with magnetized accessory system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a customizable electronics carrying case with a magnetized, modular accessory system. More particularly, the case is designed to protect and carry electronic devices of different sizes and specifications, from laptop and tablet computers to smartphones. The case is available in different sizes and configurations scaled for each respective device, or alternatively, any combination thereof. The case is also designed to store accessories for the devices in question, as well as every-day sundries and specialty items to facilitate a cosmopolitan, “work-on-the-go” lifestyle. Finally, the case features a magnetized inner spine, whereby to integrate the optional ferrous-metal containing or magnetized accessory flaps and/or “sub-cases.” By virtue of their ease of attaching to and detaching from the magnetized spine, the accessory flaps and/or “sub-cases” permit the device to be customized, which permits the device to carry a unique array of everyday, niche and hobbiest affordances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is directed to a user-customizable electronics carrying case with a magnetized, modular accessory system. More particularly, the case is designed to protect and carry electronic devices of different sizes and specifications, from laptop and tablet computers to touchscreen smartphones.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known that the circumstances of urban life in developed nations has created an increasing need for individuals to effectively interface with the world of human commerce. Furthermore, such engagement with the “life world” that characterizes modern major metropolitan areas has taken a conspicuously and increasingly technological form. The ubiquitous ownership of personal electronic devices such as “smart” cellular telephones, laptop and tablet computers, as well as the increasing prevalence of free WiFi services, all stand as a testament to the aforementioned statement. Indeed, the very concept of the “mobile office” has arisen largely from the circumstances alluded to above. With respect to the average city and its occupants, such circumstances include the increasing prevalence of and preference for self-employment, as well as work of a primarily intellectual nature. Trends in employment aside, many urban residents, it would seem, simply prefer the ability to spend the bulk of their days doing and dwelling in public spaces. In populous urban areas where the occupation of private living space comes at a high premium, this practice presents the favorably disposed individual with a unique set of advantages over the average “homebody.” To the end of facilitating this “cosmopolitan” sort of lifestyle, myriad products have been developed with the purpose of carrying and protecting personal electronic devices, the use of which has become an everyday condition of work and life.

However, such products are not without their shortcomings. To find one's self properly “at home” while “on-the-go” within the city proper, for instance, requires that much of what is taken for granted within a traditional domicile be on hand. The affordances requisite for the lifestyle such carrying devices are designed to help facilitate thus go beyond the electronic devices that permit activities such as work, communication, e-commerce, and various leisure activities, and extend into the realm of physical goods and needs. These range from eating utensils to audio earbuds to identification cards, reading and sunglasses, bank and credit cards, stationary, writing utensils, physical currency, grooming supplies and more. In this respect, traditional systems and devices for containing the means for work and life within a single, convenient location find themselves lacking. This is particularly true, insofar as such systems and devices have typically not featured the ability to customize what can be securely stored, feasibly transported, and conveniently utilized within them. Thus, a need exists for a fully customizable case within which individuals can take their means to work and live with them, to better facilitate the end anal of living life on one's own terms while living “on-the-go.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a carrying case for a personal electronic device comprising a magnetized spine and an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of a notebook computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone.

In every listed configuration, the case is capable of being accessorized with any of a number of magnetized inserts, whose structures and functions include, but are not limited to the following:

a strap with a button-down hasp;

a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag;

a holder for writing or eating utensils;

a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone;

wallet-size plastic card slits;

a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables;

a pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom;

zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks;

a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils;

a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies;

an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices;

an insert configured to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography-related equipment;

an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion;

and an insert configured to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist.

The case is additionally made by a method that comprises the acts of forming a magnetized spine, and forming an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of a notebook computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone.

Furthermore, the method above also comprises an act of forming an insert, where the insert is formed to include a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a strap with a button-down hasp; a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag; a holder for writing or eating utensils; a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone; wallet-sin plastic card slits; a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables; a pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom; zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks: a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils; a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies; an insert made of anti static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices; an insert configured to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography-related equipment; an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion; and an insert configured to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one variant of the laptop computer model of the case while open:,

FIG. 2 is an illustration of another variant of the laptop computer model of the case while open;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of yet another variant of the laptop computer model of the case while open;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one variant of the tablet computer model of the case while open;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of another variant of the tablet computer model of the case while open;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the mobile phone variant of the case while open;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the exterior the laptop variant of the case while open;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a simple magnetized “flap” insert or accessory;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a “notebook” type magnetized insert or accessory, and

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an optional carrying, strap for attaching any of the cases to a bicycle for convenient transport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a user-customizable electronics carrying case with a magnetized, modular accessory system. More particularly, the case is designed to protect and carry electronic devices of different sizes and specifications, from laptop and tablet computers to touchscreen smartphones. Accordingly, the case is available in different sizes and configurations scaled for each respective type of device, or alternatively, any combination thereof. Additionally, the case is designed to store accessories for the devices in question, as well as every-day sundries and specialty items that help to facilitate a cosmopolitan, “work-on-the-go” lifestyle. Finally, the case features a magnetized inner spine, whereby to integrate the optional ferrous-metal containing or magnetized accessory flaps and/or “sub-cases.” By easily attaching to and removing from the magnetized spine, the accessory flaps and/or “sub-cases” permit the device to be customized by the user. This in turn permits the device to carry a unique array of everyday, niche and hobbiest affordances.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In ether instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public, inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

The present invention is exemplified by three principle configurations. The first of these, shown in FIGS. 1-3, is a modularly customizable carrying case for a notebook or laptop computer. The second principle configuration, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, is a case as in FIGS. 1-3, now scaled and configured specifically for a tablet PC. The third principle configuration is depicted in FIG. 6, and takes the form of a case as previously shown, now scaled and configured specifically for a touchscreen mobile phone. Each of these configurations shares a number of features in common, the most prominent of which is the “ground floor” or basic accessorized interior, which provides the requisite space, compartments, ringlet(s) and fastening straps whereby any of a number of everyday affordances and sundries can be securely stored. Another prominent feature shared by all configurations is a magnetized spine, which permits the integration of a number of any accessory “flaps,” an example of which is shown in FIG. 8, or accessory “sub-cases,” an example of which is shown in FIG. 7. All cases also feature at least one main zipper whereby the case is opened and shut, and in the laptop and tablet models, a secondary zipper. Non-limiting examples of materials from which any of the three principle configurations of the case can be made include, but are not limited to, any of the following: leather, wool, as well as any premium, custom cured and spun variants of the former, synthetic leather, or any other synthetic or natural material.

The laptop configuration 100 in FIG. 1 features a around-floor compartment 102, upon which attachments for the securing of various sundries and accessories is situated. Between halves of the case, a magnetic spine 104 is prominently featured, above which a primary zipper 106 is shown, and below which a secondary zipper 108 is displayed. To the right of the secondary zipper lies a notebook sized compartment 110, secured with a fastening strap 112. A set of snap-fastened straps 114 and 116 can be used to secure appropriately sized items in a vertical fashion, parallel to the spine of the case. An outer lip of the case 118 is also shown, while a split fastening strap 120 is further shown to its left. On the other side of the case, a zippered pouch 122 is shown adjacent to a compartmentalized button down fastening strap 124, which is capable of holding up to four items in a horizontal fashion, perpendicular to the spine of the case. At the top left corner of the case, the backing of the default insert 126 is shown, while below this lies a ringlet-strap 128, beneath which two plastic card carrying pouches 130 and 132 are situated. To the immediate right lies a protective sheath and strap 134.

An alternative configuration of the laptop variant of the case 200 is shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, a large tablet-sized pouch 202 is shown prominently on the right hand side of the case 200. At the center of the device, riding above the magnetic spine 104, a writing-utensil compartment 204 sits atop a vertical storage pouch 206. A horizontally-oriented smartphone-sized compartment 208 lies immediately to the lower left portion of the spine of the case 104, while a series of wallet-sized card holding slits 210 are shown upwards and to the left. To the immediate right of the holding slits 210, a button down strap 212, which can be used to hold various sundries from writing utensils, accessory cordage and otherwise, is situated atop a compartment pouch 214, which can be used to store documents, paperwork and other types of items of appropriate dimensions. Above and to the left of the compartment pouch 214 lies a button down strap 216 with a writing utensil holder, as well as a flat length for the retention of cordage or other sundries, to the right of which a compartment pouch 218 is situated.

Yet another variation of the laptop configuration of the case 300 is depicted in FIG. 3. A pouch for storing a laptop 302 is shown, to the right of which lies a right side handle 304. Towards the interior of the case, a fold of material 306 can be used for a variety of purposes, including storage and retention of various appropriately sized sundries. Moving to the lower right hand side of the case, a storage pouch 312, shown holding a smartphone, can be used to hold a variety of items or devices. To the right of storage pouch 312, a set of card storage slits 314 are further depicted. Immediately above the card storage slits 314 sits a rectangular storage pouch 316, to the tight of which a zipper pull tab 318 and zipper 320 are situated. To the right of the zipper 320 lies a button down strap 322, to the immediate left of which, beyond the zipper 320, yet another storage pouch 324 is shown. On the outside of the left hand side of the case, a second left-side carrying handle 326 is shown,

FIG. 4 shows a tablet configuration of the case 400. The backing of the optional “primary” insert 402 is shown on the left-hand side of the case, on top of which sits a button-down strap terminating in a keyring 404, a zippered pouch 406, and a pair of wallet-sized plastic-card carrying slots 408 and 410. Towards the bottom of the left hand side of the case, a smartphone-sized pouch 412 is depicted, to the right of which a strap-holder with a button fastener 414 is shown. Moving to the right side of the case, two back-to-back cutaway pouches 416 and 418 are depicted, while a slit for the fastening of a writing utensil such as a stylus, pen or pencil 420 is shown. The edge of the “primary” insert 422 is shown just beneath a split rendered into the backing or base layer of the case 424,

Yet another tablet configuration of the case 500 is shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, a button down strap 502, which can be used for retaining items to include cordage and various other sundries, is shown set atop a zipper-pocket flap 504, which includes zipper 506, zipper-pocket flap 504 further rests atop another, larger zipper-pocket flap 508, which also displays zipper 510. A space wherein a tablet, writing slate, notepad, or similar sized item 512 is shown resting further atop zipper pocket flap 504. Moving to the left hand side of the case, a button down strap 514 is configured so as to be capable of holding sundries such as cordage and a writing utensil, to the left of which a smartphone-sized carrying slit 516 is shown. At the top left hand side of the case, a pair of wallet-sized card carrying, slits 518 and 520 are shown, while a button down snap 522 is further displayed above zippered pouch 206.

The mobile phone configuration of the device 600 in FIG. 3 is shown with the default “Executive” insert 602 in place, whose own magnetic and/or ferrous spine 604 attaches to the spine of the case 104, and is arrayed with a set of three concentric, cylindrically-shaped, flat-surfaced magnets and/or ferrous rivulets 606, 608, and 610. A button-down strap 612 is shown to the immediate right of the spine of the insert 604, while adjacent lies the backing of the insert 614, above which a vertically-oriented pouch 616 and its fastening snap 618 are positioned. Moving to the left-hand side of the case, a slit-style pouch 620 is shown above a zippered pouch 622, below which a wallet-sized cardholding slit 624 is shown. To the immediate left, a wrist strap 626 for convenient carry is shown.

A view of the exterior of the laptop or tablet versions of the case 700 is shown in FIG. 7, as seen from one side when closed from the exterior. The main zipper and tab of the case 702 is artier shown, as is the magnetized spine 704. An external pouch for a mobile phone 706 is also shown. Alternatively, and as in the mobile version of the case's exterior, pouch 706 can he absent.

FIG. 8 depicts the most basic and generic configuration of a “flap” type insert 800. It features a magnetic or ferrous spine 802, and a “base” or backing 804.

FIG. 9 depicts, on the other hand, a “sub-ease” type insert 900, comprised of roughly the same most basic structural elements as the backing of the “super-case” itself. The “sub-case” is thus comprised of two “flaps” 902 and 904, connected at a longer, thinner magnetized and/or ferrous spine 906, with an “outer” layer of material 908 configured with a zipper 910. The “sub-case” type insert can thus be zipped and unzipped, just as with the modular case itself. The different configurations available for either type of insert include, but are not limited to, any one or combination of the following: a strap with a button-down hasp; a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag; a single or series of holders for writing or eating utensils; a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone; wallet-size plastic card slits; straps designed to hold cords and/or earbuds; a pouch specifically designed to hold batteries for electronic devices, and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom; zippered pouches to hold hooks, notepads, or sketchbooks; a zippered mesh pouch, straps and a liner designed to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers, and utensils; varied forms and sizes of angled and slit-type pouches; sizeable pouches to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; branded inserts with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies; an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices; an insert customized to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lens cloths and other camera and photography-related equipment; an insert designed to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion; an insert designed to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist.

An optional strap accessory 1000 is shown in FIG. 10, which can be used to affix any of the three principle configurations of the case to a bicycle for convenient transport. Accordingly, a set of straps 1002 and 1004 are designed to wrap around an exposed length of frame, shaft, or rod, where a strap 1006 attaches, by means of a set of metal snaps 1008 and 1010, to the exterior of the case. A set of snaps 1012 and 1014 are shown poking through the belted portions of 1004 and 1002, respectively, wherein a set of holes 1016 and 1018 provide the other half of the mechanism for attachment.

Thus, the present invention describes a carrying case for a personal electronic device comprising, a magnetized spine and an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of a notebook computer, a tablet computer and a smartphone. The case is also capable of being accessorized with any of a number of magnetized inserts, whose structures and functions include, but are not limited to the following:

a strap with a button-down hasp;

a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag;

a holder for writing or eating utensils;

a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone;

wallet-size plastic card slits;

a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables;

a pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom

zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks;

a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils;

a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies;

an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices;

an insert configured to bold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography-related equipment;

an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion;

and an insert configured to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist.

The case is additionally made by a method that comprises the acts of forming a magnetized: spine, and forming an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of: a notebook computer, as tablet computer, and a smartphone.

Furthermore, the method above also comprises an act of forming an insert, where the insert is formed to include a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of a strap with a button-down hasp; a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag; a holder for writing or eating, utensils; a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone; wallet-size plastic card slits; a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables; as pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom; zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks; a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils; a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies; an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices; an insert configured to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography related equipment; an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion; and an insert configured to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying case for a personal electronic device comprising a magnetized spine and an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of a notebook computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone.
 2. A case as set forth in claim 1, wherein an insert includes a retaining, mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a strap with a button-down hasp; a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag; a holder for writing or eating utensils; a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone; wallet-size plastic card slits; a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables; a pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom; zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks; a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils; a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies; an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices; an insert configured to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography-related equipment; an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion, and an insert configured to bold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist.
 3. A method for making a carrying case for a personal electronic device, the method comprising acts of: forming a magnetized spine, and forming an insert, where the insert is magnetically detachably attachable with the magnetic spine, and where the insert is adapted to securely retain a personal electronic device selected from the group consisting of: a notebook computer, a tablet computer, and a smartphone.
 4. A method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an act of forming an insert, where the insert is formed to include a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of: a strap with a button-down hasp; a hook-and-loop type strap; a mesh bag; a holder for writing or eating utensils; a protective pocket for a touchscreen mobile phone; wallet-size plastic card slits; a strap designed to hold cords, earbuds and cables; a pouch configured to hold batteries for electronic devices and protect the other contents of the case and/or insert from any potential leaks therefrom; zippered pouches to hold books, notepads, or sketchbooks; a zippered mesh pouch, straps, and a liner configured to hold grooming tools and products such as hair product, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, nail clippers and utensils; a pouch configured to fit interior decorator or designer's tools; a branded insert with proprietary logos and designs, both from parent and partner or affiliated companies; an insert made of anti-static materials for the housing of sensitive and exposed electronic equipment and devices; an insert configured to hold a photographer's sundries, to include lenscloths and other camera and photography-related equipment; an insert configured to hold sundries necessary for travel in a conveniently laid-out fashion; and an insert configured to hold a number of drawing utensils, for a freehand artist. 